"She is the reason that I am standing up here. She has helped me enormously and made sacrifices and she is there for the highs and lows and I can't thank her enough for what she has done for me."

Of course his coach Alastair Clarkson provided the laughs when Mitchell began his speech and the camera panned to Clarko who appeared asleep.

"I will start with the Hawthorn Football Club. Thanks so much for the opportunity you have

given me. Clarko seems pretty interested.

"That is the last time that I will give you a mention."

He did however praise the tactical master for his belief in him when he first walked in the doors at Hawthorn.

"He has had a massive influence on me since I have come across to Hawthorn. He has instilled so much belief in me and I can't thank him enough since I have come to Hawthorn. He has improved me enormously," Mitchell said.